What is underwater compressed air energy storage?

Concluding remarks Underwater compressed air energy storage is a developing storage technology which is a natural extension of compressed air energy storage for coastal environments. It is very similar to underground CAES in all aspects but the energy store.

What happens if compressed air is stored underwater?

Assuming that compressed air is stored at a similar temperature to the surroundings (as is the case at Huntorf and at McIntosh), the additional losses introduced by underwater storage are those associated with leakage and pressure drop. With a well-manufactured vessel, leakage losses should be small.

How can compressed air be stored in the offshore environment?

The offshore environment provides several ideal conditions for storage of compressed air. By storing pressurized air in an underwater vessel, the pressure in the air can be reacted by the surrounding water, greatly reducing loading at the air/water barrier.

How does a compressed air storage vessel work?

In an underwater vessel, the compressed air is stored at approximately the same pressure as the hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding water, so the water provides the reaction to the pressure of the compressed air and the storage vessel can be very low in cost.

What is compressed air energy storage?

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is an energy storage technology that is centered on the concept of storing energy in the form of high-pressure air. The offshore environment provides several ideal conditions for storage of compressed air.

What are the risks of underwater compressed air storage?

Assuming that compressed air is stored at a similar temperature to the surroundings—as is the case at Huntorf and at McIntosh), the additional losses introduced by underwater storage are those associated with leakage and pressure drop. With a well-manufactured vessel, leakage losses should be small.